[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6289147,"mediaKeyId","2532858-5a4af2eb328f4013f5f1b49602e9c67e","parentId",2532858,"title","Planning commission forwards DPW text amendment on county‑owned water/sewer connections with irrigation exemption","audioSeconds",229,"startMs",1795000,"endMs",2024000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532858-5a4af2eb328f4013f5f1b49602e9c67e&start=1795&end=2024","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532858-5a4af2eb328f4013f5f1b49602e9c67e/thumbnail_1795000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6289147/Calvert-County/Maryland/Planning-commission-forwards-DPW-text-amendment-on-countyowned-watersewer-connections-with-irrigation-exemption","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289147-ff1124d966dfa92daa56d3caa140f837/orig.mp4?Expires=1771128184&Signature=d2pGWzrIzV2jjnxsOQNOh7ZL1YhMedQQvfkyV7r5wsy-KJnSdksmXWlSsRqwhl3-b-VUan7y2GaJ6bXQXsPASkeYbq9p0auLQzCh8l99s90W4ZDP2iO-1SUNC5t56SJp4rEeZcx7cHqzDGxUY~AjE06HcejX0fyapxRtWRCIGqmSUEiVCDGmCvr9t-asRx~4J5dW4sScSVSQJWZ6~rgQfMzx8o-Bf0iMDKDRTvN2IPhOl-JorrUjjQZ75wtNhu8xWraILQe5d0WTT0r-5pxGTawDEWEvA5spdzjBCDXILa2LFSXgcKFqm9~PPb-BGgd1DE-OhnYDXiEZB8Cagc7Pgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Calvert County, MD","date","2025-02-27T00:00:00Z","article","The Planning Commission on Feb. 27 directed staff to circulate a proposed Department of Public Works text amendment to the Calvert County Water and Sewerage Comprehensive Plan that would require county‑owned facilities to connect to public water and sewer services when lines are available within 300 feet, and to schedule a Planning Commission public hearing for May 21, 2025. The commission’s motion added staff language clarifying the amendment would not require the closure of agricultural irrigation wells.

James Ritter, director of enterprise funds for the Department of Public Works, told commissioners the intent is to \"mandat[e] connection to available public water and sewer services within 300 feet\" to improve efficiency, environmental protection and reduce reliance on septic systems and private wells. Ritter said no existing county facilities would be immediately affected by the rule change and that the amendment could apply to future projects and county level facilities regardless of their current map category. Commissioners asked whether nonpotable irrigation wells would be required to close; Ritter replied, \"No. We would not direct for drinking water to be used for irrigation. That would not be a goal.\" Staff agreed to add explicit wording to preserve irrigation wells for nonpotable use.

Action and next steps: the commission voted to send the amendment to agencies for review with the added irrigation exemption language and to notify agencies and adjoining jurisdictions at least 60 days before a May 21 public hearing. The transcript records the motion subsequently passing 7‑0.

Why it matters: the change would require county‑owned facilities to use existing public infrastructure when available (within a 300‑foot threshold), which planners said could improve public health and environmental protection by reducing septic use and make more efficient use of water and sewer infrastructure. Staff indicated the amendment aligns with long‑term county planning goals and best practices in utility management.

Implementation notes: staff will prepare the revised draft including the irrigation exemption, send it to agencies for comment and return findings to the planning commission prior to the public hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission - Regular Meeting - 02/27/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Calvert County Planning Commission on Feb. 27 directed staff to circulate a DPW text amendment to require county‑owned facilities to connect to public water and sewer lines within 300 feet, incorporating explicit language exempting agricultural irrigation wells, and to schedule a May 21, 2025 public hearing.","taxTitle","Calvert County, Maryland","taxId",61673,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6289151,"Planning commission directs staff to circulate Halloween Point Park draft and schedule May public hearing",293,1444000,1737000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532858-5a4af2eb328f4013f5f1b49602e9c67e&start=1444&end=1737","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532858-5a4af2eb328f4013f5f1b49602e9c67e/thumbnail_1444000.jpg","/articles/6289151/Calvert-County/Maryland/Planning-commission-directs-staff-to-circulate-Halloween-Point-Park-draft-and-schedule-May-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289151-36cfac6164bdebd220104a41a0000ce7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771128184&Signature=U2XDRAbi7ifi-zqV1dgyv53u67nnaDwkG5QsR81J8DeWYIoXP6EzOzd0wO2dSS3a~d6SyVlSru8LLZXsIACEMbb7-~d8nSKr3gUeHKpkoSPJbTe6Uowx1cSxnIHdxqXZoFoHmStnN4c7FzB7Hacs4rQe83XQcmtcsHRkn~jH8P22btlixmnPfl2KDfoRL51evzwWA7LrR2t4z1TdLsUicOdfx5uTnAvejLkJ6QYtmlhwpaVnpFxQ3opycNU-eQe0kEhZ2yFhs~n7i-Wpgj55OXR5oOOGDkide7C0a0sLtsu3VpgPQopZQQQvApRL5iInaosMPCV0cbbEAGjY1jWcqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Calvert County planners presented an updated draft master plan for Halloween Point Park and the Planning Commission voted on Feb. 27 to direct staff to send the draft to agencies for review, notify adjoining jurisdictions, and schedule a Planning Commission public hearing for May 21, 2025.

Stephanie Sperling, park planner, told commissioners that Calvert County contracted with Murphy and Dittenhofer in 2023 to update the park plan and that the department received \"more than 2,000 people who responded to that survey.\" Based on that input staff completed a draft in September 2024 and presented it in work sessions to the planning commission and the Board of County Commissioners in October 2024.

Proposed improvements listed in the draft include updating Bermuda grass fields and adding synthetic turf in the park’s northwest, areas for food trucks, a paved walking path circling the park and a natural walking path in the southeast portion, improved baseball infields and dugouts, a new pavilion, a tot lot, potential in‑ground skate park and expanded basketball courts. Sperling emphasized that a southwest portion of the park remains privately owned under lease and is not part of the master plan update.

What the commission directed: commissioners voted to send the plan to agencies for comment, notify adjoining jurisdictions at least 60 days prior to the public hearing, and schedule the May 21, 2025 public hearing. One commissioner requested that staff seek comment from a broad set of agencies rather than only a few.

Next steps: staff will circulate the draft to agencies, collect comments and return to the planning commission with agency input and a public hearing record as required by the commission’s direction.","The commission instructed staff to send the Halloween Point Park draft master plan to agencies for review and to schedule a Planning Commission public hearing for May 21, 2025; staff said the draft was shaped by a 2023 resident survey with more than 2,000 responses and listed proposed park improvements.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6289156,"Planning commission approves 100‑foot AutoZone facade in Lusby amid local opposition to larger Lusby projects",170,1150000,1320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532858-5a4af2eb328f4013f5f1b49602e9c67e&start=1150&end=1320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532858-5a4af2eb328f4013f5f1b49602e9c67e/thumbnail_1150000.jpg","/articles/6289156/Calvert-County/Maryland/Planning-commission-approves-100foot-AutoZone-facade-in-Lusby-amid-local-opposition-to-larger-Lusby-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289156-9ba06f598b4ae7e8847e0ebfa53ffe0e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771128184&Signature=YMhJeJ~3Dl-WPrwkMWYEM24ielIhWqtqbCDEV0ltcLaEor-y7pyziM8YZ0v4Em9cXqgI3qVay5eNvoblPMMP0~0xkiKFhEkoXNjlKa2wYRNDphvsAymhW9VosyL30StFT1vP~c~n6lI6LyIEm8SHi-SoUXorTdz32ZpS9vu0LbzarC7iPX0tpxA4bNaMcqHOLGg6O8eDCnMbTOKY4YphzJZ3Kq4JylP1-qp-0iTz~s5Jfpoe72rUnlEdxygBfJ6aSsL~JlMp2mbsf7jv9q0wHSSeinz0vSauxFHBUnejTCtI6c5NjglsWBmHiQikHRf2hzOm7c1P~3h-X3AzP0bKuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Calvert County Planning Commission on Feb. 27 approved an architectural review application for a proposed AutoZone at 11749 H G Truman Road in the Lusby Commons shopping center, allowing a front building facade up to 100 feet in length where the Lusby Town Center zoning ordinance limits the facade to 50 feet unless extended by the commission.

Jessica Catano, Planner 3 with the county’s Department of Planning and Zoning, told the commission that staff \"does recommend the approval of the building facade up to 100 feet in length based on the design needs of Lusby AutoZone.\" Staff found the proposal consistent with Lusby Town Center design guidelines except for the facade‑length standard and said the proposal met the ordinance’s design conditions: approximately 76% ground‑floor activation through awnings, masonry features and display windows; an 8‑foot‑wide sidewalk along the entire front facade tying into the existing pedestrian network; and internal pedestrian walkways. The commission approved the application; the transcript records the vote passed \"7 to nothing.\"

Why it matters: the Lusby Commons pad site previously had a preconcept plan accepted by the county’s technical evaluation group, and the approval allows the store design to exceed the default facade length in exchange for articulated building materials and pedestrian features. The project address is listed in county documents as Tax Map 42, Parcel 111 in Lusby.

Public comment and local concerns: multiple residents spoke during public comment with concerns about broader development in Lusby. Sean McGuire, representing Save Lusby Incorporated, characterized an unrelated nearby proposal (referred to in public remarks as the \"Leslie Villas\" or Lusby Village project) as \"a 200 plus unit through 30 plus acre apartment complex right in the middle of Lusby,\" and said his group is pursuing a court appeal of a prior planning decision. Megan Farringer, a Lusby resident, asked why the commission would approve another auto‑parts retailer in an area that already has a competing store across the street and urged the commission to consider other business types such as a gym or community facilities.

What was decided: the commission accepted staff’s recommendation and approved the architectural review application and facade length extension. Staff noted that the Lusby Architectural Review Committee lacked a quorum and the project was reviewed administratively before coming to the commission.

Next steps: with the planning commission approval, the applicant proceeds as conditioned by the site‑plan process. Any appeals or legal actions mentioned by public commenters would proceed through the courts independent of this approval.","The commission approved an architectural review application to allow a 100‑foot front facade for the proposed Lusby AutoZone, finding it met design standards despite the Lusby Town Center ordinance 50‑foot limit. The vote was unanimous; residents raised broader concerns about duplicate businesses and a separate large apartment project in Lusby.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6289161,"Calvert County planning commission approves consolidating town center master plans into single document",1670,500000,2170000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532858-5a4af2eb328f4013f5f1b49602e9c67e&start=500&end=2170","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532858-5a4af2eb328f4013f5f1b49602e9c67e/thumbnail_500000.jpg","/articles/6289161/Calvert-County/Maryland/Calvert-County-planning-commission-approves-consolidating-town-center-master-plans-into-single-document","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289161-4898218995b72c8286a767e97258daff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771128184&Signature=FoHCqeHAaMRuR247Pp56aVU-7q~lascSlbG7fEAvNmeqe~8Uyj6INThvUpOkalQ7hKRmvWxXvBz1tvicUhwHAzvKEzP1njcWQgao1bRjx4AVS1YJwHx83q-cr05MJO013MWN2AoWjXNuq7FLO6R4jKQF~ee~qabywozAt91uYnVnMfbnNa0WstUVIFu94L8uk3HUOMPrCPNLGYsBk4YXPvqHZTk5E9-YIUSqBm9udlommB1TShKmHoVq~FCih~AUZIarPgg8~1RexF1g2jTgobKwXYsJSlj4jyj78Ju90NHQlL9drifdwZVrntYsAPXpHSG5GkEp5GDFQHE0N1kN3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Calvert County Planning Commission on Feb. 27 adopted staff’s proposal to consolidate individual town center master plans into a single Master Plan of Town Centers and approved the proposed timeline for updating town-center chapters and corresponding zoning ordinances.

The department presented the consolidation as a streamlining measure to \"eliminat[e] redundancy across the individual updates,\" and recommended using a three‑phase update process already endorsed by the commission. Tay Harris, Long Range Planner, told commissioners, \"Rather than preparing individual updates for each town center master plan, the department recommends consolidating them into a single document, the master plan of town centers.\" The commission voted to adopt staff’s recommendation; commissioners announced the motion carried.

Why it matters: the consolidation groups shared background, goals and public‑participation processes into a single Chapter 1 that will apply to all town centers, while each town center will retain its own chapter for site‑specific policies and mapping. Staff said this will allow concurrent updates to the matching town‑center zoning ordinances so policies and zoning stay aligned.

Key details: staff said Chapter 1 would include countywide vision and goals, public outreach approach and the three‑phase update process. The immediate work program calls for staff to present draft Chapter 1 and the Prince Frederick town center chapter at the March planning commission meeting; if the commission directs, a planning commission public hearing would be held in May and a Board of County Commissioners hearing in June for Prince Frederick. Dunkirk’s chapter is scheduled to follow with a 60‑day comment period, then review and potential hearings. Staff recommended prioritizing the oldest town centers first; the list given (excluding Prince Frederick and Dunkirk) named Owings as the oldest, then Huntingtown, Lusby, Solomons and St. Leonard. Staff estimated roughly 14 months to adopt each town‑center chapter not already in progress.

Public comment and commission clarification: resident David Berry asked whether there would be a separate public comment period for Chapter 1 before commission action, saying the specific wording in Chapter 1 could be of \"great public interest.\" Harris responded that Chapter 1 will be presented to the public along with the Prince Frederick draft and \"the public will have the opportunity during the public hearing to comment on it,\" noting much of Chapter 1’s text derives from the Prince Frederick draft and had already been through a 60‑day review in that context.

Next steps: staff will bring draft Chapter 1 and the Prince Frederick town center chapter to the March meeting and seek guidance on whether to set a May planning commission public hearing and the Board of County Commissioners public hearing in June.","The Planning Commission voted to adopt staff’s proposal to consolidate individual town center master plans into one “Master Plan of Town Centers” and approved the staff timeline for updates, with Prince Frederick and Dunkirk moving first and public hearings planned in spring and early summer.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning commission forwards DPW text amendment on county‑owned water/sewer connections with irrigation exemption

Planning commission directs staff to circulate Halloween Point Park draft and schedule May public hearing

Planning commission approves 100‑foot AutoZone facade in Lusby amid local opposition to larger Lusby projects

Calvert County planning commission approves consolidating town center master plans into single document